The interim government should prioritize justice, accountability, and a transition to democracy.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5, 2024, and left the country following weeks of student protests, according to Human Rights Watch. About 300 people have died, thousands were injured, and over 10,000 were arrested.
The Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced the Prime Minister’s resignation and the formation of an interim government, promising justice for all. Authorities must focus on creating a transparent and independent justice system and release all political prisoners, including those held in secret. The interim government should accept UN support to launch an independent investigation into serious abuses during recent student protests and the years under Sheikh Hasina’s government.
DHAKA, Aug 5 (Reuters) – Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country on Monday after a violent crackdown on protests left hundreds dead. The protests started over job quotas and grew into a movement demanding her removal.
Jubilant crowds entered the presidential residence without opposition, looting furniture and TVs. One man carried a red velvet, gilt-edged chair on his head, while another held an armful of vases.
Hasina, 76, landed at a military airfield in Hindon near Delhi, according to two Indian government officials. India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, met her there, but they did not provide details about her stay or future plans.
India, which has strong cultural and trade ties with Bangladesh, has not officially commented on the events in Dhaka. Indian broadcaster Times Now reported that Hasina would leave Hindon for London at 19:30 GMT. Reuters could not immediately verify this information.
U.S. STRESSES INCLUSIVE INTERIM GOVT
Hasina had ruled since 2009 after a long power struggle with Zia. Both women inherited their political movements from slain leaders—Hasina from her father, Mujib, and Zia from her husband, Ziaur Rahman, who took power after Mujib’s death and was assassinated in 1981.
“Hasina’s resignation proves the power of the people,” said Tarique Rahman, the exiled eldest son of Zia, now acting chairman of the opposition party. “Together, let’s rebuild Bangladesh into a democratic and developed nation where the rights and freedoms of all people are protected,” he posted on X.
The United States urged that the interim government formation process be democratic and inclusive, encouraging all parties to avoid further violence and restore peace quickly.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Condemns Vandalism of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Statue
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a leader who played a crucial role in helping the country gain independence from Pakistan.
Bangladesh has been facing growing anti-government protests, which recently escalated when a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding leader and father of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was vandalized. The incident occurred in Dhaka, where protesters used hammers to damage the statue, sparking widespread condemnation. The unrest has been driven by mounting dissatisfaction with Sheikh Hasina’s government, ultimately leading to her resignation and departure from the country.
In response to the vandalism, Biocon founder and chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw expressed her disapproval, calling it a “Sad day for Bangladesh.”
This act of defiance surprised many, who criticized the protestors for damaging the statue. Among the critics was entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who condemned the act and called it a “Sad day for Bangladesh.”
“Destroying the statue of the father of the nation? Do they even know their history? It’s a sad day for Bangladesh,” the billionaire wrote, sharing a video that shows the statue being vandalized.
The video shows two individuals standing on the statue, breaking it with hammers. At the end, other protestors are seen celebrating the act.
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